More Than a Refresh? (1/2)
Windows Mobile 6 Standard Edition
INTRODUCTION
It was back in May of 2005 that we first saw Windows Mobile 5.0; it added a lot of useful features, such as Push email (available via an AKU update), better multimedia management, picture caller ID (which many consider to be worthless), Office Mobile (for Pocket PC), QWERTY keyboard support, Persistant Storage, and better GPS integration. Windows Mobile 5.0 also brought the Smartphone and Pocket PC platforms closer together by having a common, dual soft-key interface.
Jumping forward to early 2006, we received news of Windows Mobile 6, though of what we saw, it seemed like just a visual refresh: prettier icons, a Vista-like start button, and some "glass" thrown in to boot. But under the skin, what else is new? We'll take a thorough look at Windows Mobile 6 Standard, or Smartphone Edition as it was previously referred, and see if Microsoft has a winner.
START!
The differences between the Home Screen of WM 5.0 and WM 6 are clear...the icons are nicer, the default color is different,and the top and bottom bar have a glass-effect. Don't forget the Vista-like Start icon.
Going into the Start Menu, all icons have been revamped. The PIE icon is the same to that of IE7.
Moving down the Start Menu, we have more revamped icons. I really like the graphic used for Pictures & Video, though the application is the same as in WM 5.0.
I'm not sure if Voice Command is to come standard on WM 6 as it has on my test device - but if so, that's great news. Did you notice the Windows Update icon? Yes! Finally, just as with our Windows PCs, we can receive software updates from Microsoft.
...and this is what the application looks like. It uses your data connection to look for updates, and you can select which ones you want to download and install.
The Settings menu is about the same between 5.0 and 6.
The new internet sharing utility allows you to easily tether your device to your computer or laptop to retrieve an internet connection. From what I've heard, it's quick and easy to use.
